With
food steaming and eager stomachs waiting, prayers at the
Thanksgiving table may linger this year. As always, Mississippians
have plenty of reason to be thankful. In a most timely
manner, the Good Lord has blessed Mississippi with an
overall great year in agricultural production. Thanks
are due not only from those engaged in agricultural production
but from all citizens of the state. The reason being,
the state economy is more than significantly influenced
by agriculture, Mississippi’s number one industry.
So as agriculture thrives, a positive effect ripples to
all boundaries of the state.
Innovative tactics and a hard-working ethic have allowed
Mississippi to remain competitive and sustainable in a
global marketplace that often fields U.S. farmers on uneven
ground. Mississippi is among the national leaders in production
of several commodities, so many of the dollars that circulate
our State stem from agriculturally related transactions.
For the majority of Mississippi’s production, thanks
to timely rains and moderate weather throughout the growing
season and cooperative harvest conditions, the State is
looking at exceptional harvest numbers among some of the
major commodities.
The following highlights harvest summaries of just a few
of the many products grown in Mississippi:
Cotton: USDA projections have statewide yields at record
levels. From 1.1 million acres harvested, growers are
expected to average 916 lbs/acre – a 13% increase
from last year’s rain laden harvest. A sharp increase
in cotton futures prices may be attributed to low yields
speculated in Texas and China. With steady demand and
good growing conditions in 2003, Mississippi farmers are
sure to see the benefits of a stronger market. “Growing
conditions were outstanding and harvest weather was great
this year,” said Ted Kendall IV, Hinds County farmer/rancher.
“Poor production forecasts in China have resulted
in a spike in cotton futures. This year’s harvest,
coupled with higher prices, gives reason to look at the
state’s economy with optimism.”
Soybeans: Record yields are forecasted for soybeans also.
1.4 million acres are projected to yield 36 bushels/acre,
according to USDA. “This year’s crop is one
people wait a lifetime for,” said Alan Blaine, Mississippi
State Extension Soybean Specialist. “Of course,
each year, Mississippi has a variable crop, and this year
is no different. Overall, this is the earliest planted
crop and the best crop we have ever had. Yields are estimated
at 36 (bushels) right now, but I feel that number is low.
We may see an average between 38-40 (bushels) before it
is over. Mother Nature provided some good, timely rain
and Midwest temperatures, so we are seeing Midwest yields.
Higher prices have people gearing up for next year.”
Corn: With corn acreage on the rise in Mississippi over
recent years, farmers have established Mississippi as
a major corn production state in the Southeast. USDA forecasts
Mississippi corn production at a record 130 bushels/acre
over 530,000 acres. “I was able to get planted pretty
early, and we received very timely rains,” said
Willard Jack, Holmes/Humphreys County farmer. “With
periodic rains, we were able to cut back on irrigation,
and it wasn’t too hot of a summer. Good growing
conditions resulted in an early harvest and a high quality
crop. We ended up with above average yields at average
prices. Overall, this is a good, profitable year due to
high yields and lower irrigation costs.”
Livestock: Strong beef demand domestically and worldwide
has resulted in increasing prices for U.S. cattle. Mississippi
producers are enjoying the highest price levels ever much
due to product safety concerns from consumers. “Across
the state, growing conditions were good. There seems to
be an adequate hay supply going into the winter, and the
improved prices are very much welcomed from producers
who have stayed in over the past few years,” stated
Sammy Blossom, executive director of Mississippi Cattlemen’s
Association. “The BSE incident in Canada and drought
in the western states have caused numbers to decrease,
so supply is down for several reasons. As consumer demand
is increasing, we will continue to build the herd, but
eventually supply will catch up. Right now, Mississippi
cattlemen are benefiting from the high prices and increases
in demand.”
Mississippi’s poultry industry continues to be the
state’s number one valued commodity. Production
and prices are steady.
Foreign fish imports have lowered prices in the domestic
frozen catfish filet markets over the past few years.
Mississippi has lost a few production acres due to unfair
trade practices from foreign countries. “Over the
past couple of weeks, prices have risen a couple of cents,
much to the delight of producers,” said Roger Barlow,
President of The Catfish Institute. “Although acreage
is slightly down in Mississippi, 2-3% more fish are being
processed. With aggressive marketing going into the Lenten
season, we are speculating that demand may not be met
and hopefully price will be driven up.”
Sweet Potatoes: Producers in North Mississippi are benefiting
from a good year for sweet potatoes. “Ideal harvest
conditions should result in all acres being harvested,”
said Bennie Graves, sweet potato specialist for the Mississippi
Department of Agriculture and Commerce. “We are
looking at the highest quality crop in a number of years,
and prices are up from last year. A record number of potatoes
was sold early, and we still have a lot in storage.”
High yields and more attractive commodity markets initially
result in more dollars in farmers’ pockets, but
ultimately, good agricultural production years affect
citizens statewide. As these dollars begin to circulate
throughout the state, an economy that has sputtered for
some time now will begin to notice growth and profitability.
Credit should be given where credit is due. The state’s
number one industry is returning more dollars statewide
than it has in quite some time, so those involved in agriculture
that have persevered through the hard times and continue
to provide a safe food and fiber supply are due a sincere
“thank you” from Mississippi as we grow into
the future. As “thanks” is given this year
at each Thanksgiving table in our great state, remember,
among many other blessings, Mississippi’s capability
to produce a wide variety of crops and products that provides
for many and is such a staple in an ever-changing economy.
DBJ
